Dublin Castle 8/9/01
During a recent conversation I let slip
that I hadn't seen Crunch play in over six years, to which I was met with a
startled look and then the enthusiastic response,"Oh well in that case
you've just got to come and see the next gig". So on a promise I duly made
my way down to the infamous Camden Public House and Music venue christened 'The
Dublin Castle'. Despite not being in Dublin or resembling a Castle the
venue has a cracking atmosphere when pumped up for a night such as this.
Entering through the pub, pictures of Madness (who?) adorning the bar, the
jukebox throbbing to the sound of Camden's finest serving only to bring a warm
feeling to the old bones. On through to the back of the establishment and you'll
find a room with many tales to tell and tonight it was its turn to tell the one
of Crunch.
Unfortunately a slow burn was in store as Crunch were the third band to take the
stage on the evening (top billing eh, not bad). First on were 'The Cling',
who all looked about 15 and dressed with an incredible line in dated smart
suits, Haircut 100 or Heaven 17 for the noughties perhaps! The music left a lot
to be desired but by the look of them they've plenty of years left..until they
finish college that is!
Also on the bill were 'Submacrewman' and these guys fared somewhat better than
the proceeding outfit, though if you make a point of singing harmonies guys,
it's a good idea to be sure that you can hear each other and that you're
actually in the right key!!!
Anyway on to the reason we were there, after a troubled set-up, involving a
keyboard and cymbal problem (!), Crunch finally arrived and once all seven
members clambered on one of the smallest stages around we were off and running.
The opening number, 'Here He Comes', though a somewhat subdued beginning was
nonetheless welcomed by the crowd. Moving up a gear, the perennial 'Magic
Carpet was then met with vigour, as the heads starting bouncing and the feet
moving. With happy smiles the audience stayed with the pace through 'Tap
Dance' and 'Birthday Girl', only stopping while a pint of Guinness for Mr T was
delivered and a herbal (hmmm!) cigarette appeared, this was passed to
Spider as he pleaded from behind his kit to, "Pass the ganja to the
drummer"!
Onwards and upwards as Daydreamers and Going Solo followed, along with one of
Thommo's terrible jokes, Tony Blackburn eat your heart out!
A crowd favourite was next out of the hat with 'Whistle', then the pace was
slowed a touch for the impressive 'Boy in the Box'. I turned at this point
to notice members of 'The Cling' standing near the bar, watch and learn boys. As
Lee left the stage, Louis got to exercise his digits as an introduction to 'Fur
Elise' was rattled out. With memories of years gone by, the beer bellies were
tucked in by several of the lads on the floor, as they set to prove they had
lost none of their skanking abilities. Through the tune each band member,
as is traditional, displayed their expertise in their particular musical field.
Next up was 'Round Trip' and the effervescent 'You Got It!', with Steve on Sax
demonstrating that he not only knows the words but will first in the queue as
back up frontman!
'Saints and Sinners' as well as lending its name to a fanzine, tonight lent
itself to a real party mood as the ambience extolled by the congregation began
to boil with sweaty folks a pushing and a swaying in time to the beat.
After this 'Fight Amongst Yourself' seemed almost an instruction to the
ensembled masses! To accompany his Prison Top and 'It's OK I'm a
Policeman', Thommo was offered a Bobby's helmet from Jerney in the crowd, once
in place on his shaven bonce the look was complete!!
Somewhere along the line I remember seeing Steve, Thommo and Tad attempting high
kicks and on a stage that size that really was some achievement. Now the evening
was drawing to a close and I'm sure that at one point Crunch turned into PigBag
with a rousing rendition of 'Pipedream' and the finale of 'People' bringing up
the rear. And there dear friends the band departed, leaving us wanting
more but alas the clock had run out and we weren't getting anymore as there
simply wasn't time, at least that's what I was told!!!
So how did I find these hardy musicians after all this time? Well to be
honest aside from new songs (well new to me!) they appear to be the same as
before, which I should stress is probably a good thing.
And so invigorated the crew of the good ship Crunch after docking on home ground
once more sail on, "Hoist the mainbrace fellows", "Aye aye Cap'in
Thommo"!
Steve C